How to Add Your Apple Music Playlists to the Lock Screen in iOS 18.4

If you’re an Apple Music fan and are using iOS 18.4 (or iPadOS 18.4), you're in for a treat! A slick new feature now lets you add links to your favorite playlists right on your Lock Screen and Control Center. Imagine being able to access your go-to playlists with just a tap, right from the lock screen, without unlocking your device. This feature works seamlessly with both your personal playlists and the new ambient music collections that Apple has introduced, like Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the easy steps to add your Apple Music playlists to your Lock Screen, Control Center, and even the Action Button (if your device supports it).

What You Need to Get Started

iPhone or iPad with iOS 18.4 or iPadOS 18.4 installed.

Apple Music playlists ready for quick access.

How to Add Apple Music Playlists to Your Lock Screen

One of the coolest features in iOS 18.4 is being able to place shortcuts to your favorite playlists directly on your Lock Screen. Here’s how you can set it up:

1. Go to Your Lock Screen Customization

Press and hold on your Lock Screen to enter customization mode.
Tap on Customize to open the Lock Screen options.

2. Select a Shortcut

At the bottom of the screen, you'll see available shortcuts.
Tap the “+” button to add a new shortcut.

3. Choose the Ambient Music Option

Scroll through and select a shortcut under Ambient Music (this is where your Apple Music playlists will be).
Tap on the playlist you want to add.

4. Choose Playlist from Your Library

After selecting your ambient music option, a pull-down menu will appear. From there, select From Library.
Pick the playlist you’d like to feature.

5. Save Your Selection

Hit Choose to confirm your playlist choice.
Once you’re done, hit Done to save your new Lock Screen setup.

Now, the next time you glance at your Lock Screen, your playlist shortcut will be right there, ready for you to tap and play.

How to Add Apple Music Playlists to Control Center

The Control Center is another perfect place to quickly access your playlists. Let’s walk through how you can add them here:

1. Open Control Center

Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (iPhone X and later), or swipe up from the bottom (for older models).

2. Enter Customization Mode

Hold the screen to customize your Control Center.
Tap Add a Control at the bottom of the screen.

3. Choose Ambient Sounds

Scroll down and select the option for Ambient Sounds if that’s the playlist you want.
If you prefer a personal playlist, tap and hold the Ambient Sound icon and select From Library.

4. Pick Your Playlist

From the menu that appears, select the playlist you want to add from your library.
Tap Choose to save it.

5. Exit and Save

Once you're happy with your selection, exit Control Center.

Now, next time you open Control Center, you’ll see a direct link to your Apple Music playlist, ready for you to play.

How to Add Apple Music Playlists to the Action Button (iPhone Only)

For iPhones with the Action Button, you can also place your playlists here for an even quicker way to access them. Follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Settings

Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Select Action Button

Scroll down and tap Action Button (this is only available on iPhones with the Action Button feature).

3. Choose Controls

Tap Controls at the top, then choose the current controls near the bottom of the screen.

4. Select Ambient Music

Select one of the options under Ambient Music or tap to choose from your library.

5. Pick Your Playlist

After selecting From Library, pick your favorite playlist to add.

6. Save the Action

Tap Choose, then exit the settings. Your playlist is now ready to go!

Next time you press the Action Button, your selected playlist will start playing immediately.

Why You Should Try This New Feature

Having easy access to your favorite Apple Music playlists on the Lock Screen or Control Center can completely change how you interact with music on your iPhone. Whether you’re working, relaxing, or heading out for a run, the ability to control your music with minimal effort is a game-changer.

Whether it’s ambient sounds for relaxation or your top playlists for working out, iOS 18.4 makes music more accessible and enjoyable than ever. And the best part? You can do all of this without unlocking your phone!

Conclusion

iOS 18.4 is packed with exciting new features, and the ability to add your favorite Apple Music playlists to the Lock Screen, Control Center, and Action Button is one of the standout updates. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to access your playlists instantly, making your iPhone experience more convenient and enjoyable.

Ready to get started? Update to iOS 18.4, and start customizing your music experience today!